Train like a race horse

In his book Pressfield juxtaposes a professional’s writing session with his experience watching a famous horse trainer work with young thoroughbreds.

“I had imagined that the process would be something hard-core like Navy SEAL training. To my surprise, the sessions were more like play,” writes Pressfield. “A horse that loves to run will beat a horse that’s compelled, every day of the week.”

In other words show yourself some compassion. You can pull your creative self out of a funk by making sessions feel like play.

I know just the girl to call on for ideas – my inner 6-year old. She gave me five… one for each writing phase.

Guess what? You get to pillage your kid’s playroom for supplies. No kids or playroom? No problem. I included alternatives.

1. Pre-write: brainstorm with crayons and construction paper

Does a lobotomy sound more fun than outlining your book, article or script?

But I’ve whipped more messes into shape while baking muffins in my big girl oven than sitting in front of my laptop. How?

I read what’s up for a rewrite and hand it off to my subconscious. Then I distract my meddlesome grownup self with tasks like vacuuming, organizing or baking. All use little to no brain power.

I just make sure I have access to my laptop, index cards or pen and paper when solutions pop into my head.

Writing at the office? Got it.

Alternatives:

Refill coffee.

Take a pee break.

Spitball ideas with a coworker.

Submit one of those purchase order thingy’s for an office Easy-Bake.

4. Word Smithing: visit your kid self’s favorite doctor

Is the end near? Woo Hoo! Unless you’re stuck with prose that doesn’t flow.

No worries.

Grab your favorite Dr. Seuss book and read it out loud. Not within reach? Okay. Try these…

“On you will go though your enemies prowl.
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl…
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)”
~Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

“And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzing and puzzling, ‘How could it be so?
‘It came without ribbons, It came without tags!
‘It came without packages, boxes or bags!’
And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore…”
~How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

“It all began with a shoe on the wall.
A shoe on the wall…?
Shouldn’t be there at all.”
~Wacky Wednesday

Passages like these can help you find your rhythm and tighten your copy.

Hey there. I built Write 50 to help you start, not quit, and finish writing projects. And I double-dog dare you to ditch writer's block with a game or DTB jam session;-) You've got this, kid! ~Coach Marianne